What makes you proud of being a woman but also a Latina?
Women are strong as hell. There is so much women have to put up with and they can not go a day without being criticized for their decisions. I recently saw the play 'What the Constitution Means To Me' in Downtown Los Angeles not knowing what to expect and I walked out thinking about the generational trauma the women in my life have gone through. Years of oppression and colonization, but we made it this far and will continue to rise above it.
Is there someone you look up to?
Besides saying my mom or my tias, I would say I really admire Yalitza Aparicio. As a proud, indigenous Oaxacan woman who got an Oscar nomination, she got a lot of shit. They called her names and the racism and classism in Mexico could have gotten to her but she took the whole situation with such grace. The hate she received for no reason was disgusting, but no better actress could have been chosen for that part and I hope to see her in more things. Even seeing her on the plastic wrap on a water bottle in Mexico made me very proud.
Do you feel Latino culture has had a big impact on who you are?
My parents are both first generation Mexican immigrants and we grew up catholic with a tight knit family. It took me a while to really appreciate my indigenous Mexican roots. Being Oaxacan, there are many enclaves through out Los Angeles where my parent's traditions are alive like the Guelaguetza. I am very blessed to grow up in a city where we have all types of people who immigrated from around the world. In general, what would Los Angeles be without Latinos? I can't imagine.
Do you have any current projects you are working on and accomplishments that you would like to talk about?
I am working on making piñatas and other paper maché sculptures. I recently made a Baby Yoda piñata because I saw how cute he was and thought I want my own with a unique twist. I am working on combining the nostalgic feeling I get seeing colorful piñatas with pop culture characters. Really inspired by the art of Justin Favela and just walking by the piñata district in DTLA.
Do you have any words of advice and encouragement to future generations of all women?
You have privileges that generations of women before you did not have so please feel empowered to use them! Vote, drive a car, get an education, dress how you want to, make money how you want. Can you believe generations of women before you didn't have the ability to do so?! Your life, your choices!